Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins set for England snub v Spain as ‘incredible’ verdict emerges
Bryan King believes Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins will be left on the bench for the 2024 UEFA European Championship final between England and Spain.
The ex-Villa scout expects Harry Kane to keep his place ahead of the 28-year-old.
Watkins scored a dramatic last-gasp winner as England beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday (10 July) to reach the Euros final in Berlin on Sunday (14 July).
However, King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – doesn’t think the striker’s goal will be enough to earn him a place in the starting lineup for the final.
“I think they will use Watkins from the bench again,” King said.
“However, I think he will be introduced slightly earlier this time. When he came on against the Netherlands his movement was good and his goal was absolutely top class
“His first touch was good and then it was in the back of the net with his second touch, it was quite incredible.
“However, I still think it will be Kane who captains the side into the final.”
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to start for England against Spain?
Watkins will feel as though he deserves a place in the starting lineup on Sunday.
However, Gareth Southgate hasn’t changed the team too much throughout the tournament. As a result, he will likely look to stick with what he has done so far.
In addition, Kane is the England captain and a world-class player. Therefore, it would probably take much more than one goal to displace him in the team.
Even if that goal was a winner in a semi-final and arguably one of the most iconic in English football history.
Kane will most likely start, but Watkins will no doubt be ready to make an impact again if called upon.
In other Aston Villa news, one player at the club has been blasted as a medical development emerges.
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.